Quantum electrodynamics in two dimensions (QED)
We aim to manipulate correlated electron states in two dimensions with virtual photons in the terahertz range. We will produce van der Waals heterostructures, where conducting electrons in a magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene or Bernal bilayer graphene are coupled to the quantum fluctuations of a photonic cavity.
We are harnessing correlated electrons in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene (MATBG) or Bernal bilayer graphene stacks using the photons of a microfabricated split-ring electromagnetic cavity. Such LC-like cavities feature strongly enhanced quantum fluctuations compared to free space due to the deep subwavelength spatial confinement of the fundamental mode. This is essential to modify correlated states such as in the fractional quantum Hall effect. The experiment will be carried out with the cavity in the ground state without illuminating it.